# CVE-2022-21971: Microsoft Windows Runtime Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2022-21971-microsoft-windows-runtime-remote-code-execution-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-08-18. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2022-21971 · Severity: critical · CVSS 7.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-08-18

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Windows Runtime due to the access of an uninitialized pointer. The vulnerability requires user interaction and has been observed being exploited in the wild.

Technologies: [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2022-21971 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2022-21971 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 18 August 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2022-21971?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 7.8, published 18 August 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 1909, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2; Microsoft Windows 11 21H2; Microsoft Windows Server 2019 -; Microsoft Windows Server 2022 -; and 1 more.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2022-21971?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2022-21971 attacked?** It is attacked with local access or over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-2022-21971?** Check whether you run Microsoft Windows. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Microsoft Windows 10 1809, 1909, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2
- Microsoft Windows 11 21H2
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 -
- Microsoft Windows Server 2022 -
- Microsoft Windows Server 20H2

## Timeline

- 2022-02-14: disclosed: Initial analysis by NIST
- 2022-08-18: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2022-08-18: exploited: Reported as exploited in the wild

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